Tag Archives: Travel

When it was time to leave Providence (see Rhode Island or Bust), E dropped me at the station early because I did not know what to expect. Would it be like the airport? Would I have to remove my shoes and take out my electronics and shampoo? Would I get the joy of a pat down? Nope, none of that. They did have police walking around, watching for suspicious behavior, I suppose. That left me with some time to kill, so I went down and took some photos of the platforms. When it was time to board, I hopped on and grabbed a comfy seat. Coach seats on trains are nice and cushy. After everyone found a spot, no seat assignments here, we were off. I was headed to New York City, just me and my camera.

The interior of the Amtrak station in Providence, Rhode Island.

People waiting for the train

The train platform in Providence, RI.

Waiting for the train in Providence

On the Train

I sat next to a very nice woman from Florida. Her daughters lived in New England and she was visiting them. She told me to visit the Public Library in New York. So, I added it to my list. There are several reasons to love the train. One of those is that you can have a conversation without everyone else in the whole place hearing what you say. It’s also easy to get up and move around. I visited the snack bar where the cashier told me about the time he visited East Tennessee and loved it. There’s also the views. I got to see so much of New England that I would not have seen otherwise. It made me want to visit the places I viewed from the train.

A view from the train

A view from the window

Made it NYC

The train pulled into Penn Station and I had a moment of what now? I had researched the location of my Airbnb and the exits were clearly marked, so I found my way out easily. The Airbnb was only 3 blocks from the station. I made my way there and there was a nice guy waiting to give me a key card and show me to my room. It was a private room with a shared bath and kitchen area. I had reservations about the shared bath, but it ended up not being an issue for me. I only ran into the other tenants once in the 4 days I was there.

Right outside of my Airbnb

What Now

The biggest problem with visiting a place like New York City without specific plans is there are so many options, it’s hard to decide what to do. I took a shower and relaxed for a bit before deciding to hit the streets in search of food and drink. It was Sunday and quite a few of the nearby places were already closed or closing soon. But I found Jack Doyle’s Irish Pub and Grill and planted myself at the bar. After a couple of perfectly poured Guinnesses and a delicious Caprese Salad, I was ready to go to bed and start again the next day.

The marquee for Jack Doyle’s Pub and Grill

Caprese for dinner

A perfectly poured Guinness

The New Yorker from my window

Stay Tuned

Watch for Day 2! The next installment includes a trip to the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, more beer, and lots of walking.

I lost my job in July. But that’s not what I’m here to talk about. When I lost my job, it allowed me to take some time off, giving me a chance to spend time with one of my oldest friends (as in how long I’ve known her). She was also off of work because she was going back to school to get her Master’s Degree at Rhode Island School of Design in Providence. Turns out she would be driving up and needed someone to go with her. Since I had nothing better to do, I offered to be her partner in this extra long road trip, from East Tennessee to Rhode Island. We loaded up and headed out. It was Rhode Island or Bust.

I’m ready for take off

The van is packed

To the East

We headed East from Knoxville up I-81. We would be overnighting in Richmond, VA with E’s brother and his girlfriend. The only hiccup was our inability to find a Waffle House when it was time for lunch. We opted for Cracker Barrel instead. Perfectly fine, but it’s no Waffle House. Almost there, we decided we looked like we’d been driving for 7 hours and smelled like it too. So, we stopped at a rest area and cleaned up a bit and changed our clothes. We were once again the ravishing goddesses we were when we started out. Once in Richmond, we met up with E’s brother and girlfriend at this great oriental restaurant, Beijing. The food and service were excellent for a busy Friday night.They are a lovely couple and so kind to let us stay in their place. We spent the night at their house and went to a local diner, City Diner, for breakfast. A great way to start the day!

It was a Friday, so the special was fried fish. I got breakfast.

She’s so happy to be starting a new chapter!

Through the Big City and then some

Back on the road, we made our way up through the New England states and toll road mecca. Tolls are a huge PIA, in case you didn’t know. There has to be a better way. Someone out there, please come up with a better way! The roads were terrible too, so it’s not like the $40 we paid in tolls were going for great roads or anything. Rant over.

I was most nervous about driving through New York City. While, we wouldn’t be on the city streets, I knew it would still be a bit crazy and stressful. Guess what! It was! There were so many odd on ramps and off ramps, stay left, go right, stay left, cross 4 lanes and go right. It was a bit nuts. But we made it through without incident. We took a wrong turn somewhere after NYC and ended up taking the scenic route through Connecticut. I’m glad we did. It was beautiful and I will definitely be going back there.

Providence Found

Once in Providence, Rhode Island, we found our Airbnb, a big sprawling home divided up into apartments. We were exhausted, but also starving. We went out in search of food. Apparently, Providence strongly discourages late night shenanigans because almost all of the nearby restaurants closed at 9pm. Yes, even on Saturday. It was close to 8:30, so we were limited on options. We decided (decided for us because not much else in the area), on Andreas, a greek restaurant. We started with the Mussels and they were yummy. I quite frankly don’t remember what else we had because we were half asleep already. Back at the Airbnb, I showered and promptly went to sleep.

Moving In and Heading Out

We started out early, so we could have breakfast then get the van unloaded and me on a train to NYC. We unpacked the van on to the sidewalk because we had to get the vehicle quickly moved. Finally we got everything into her apartment and she dropped me at the Amtrak station.

A quick view of Providence

Just like my undergraduate days

Amtrak station

New Adventures

We went our separate ways. She, off to a completely new and different life. Me, to a solo vacation in NYC and a new life waiting for me at home. I am thankful that we were able to spend this time together and support one another when we needed it the most!

We recently took a quick trip to Johnson City, TN. It has been on our list for awhile because we love Yee-Haw beer. But we finally had a good reason to go. It was work related, so at least the gas was paid for!

Dinner and a Beer (or two)

The first place we went was, of course, Yee-Haw Brewing Company. They have a great in house bar and they share space with White Duck Taco Shop. Yay! Beer and food all in one handy place.

Bangkok Shrimp®

Lamb Gyro

Yee-Haw Eighty

The bar at Yee-Haw Brewing in Johnson City, TN

Downtown

After eating, we decided to walk around downtown a bit and see what else is happening in Johnson City. As it turns out, not much. But it was a Sunday evening. We will try to go back on a Saturday and catch a show or something. Prints are available of the images below – here.

A classic ghost sign on the side of a building in Johnson City, TN

Numan’s Cafe & Sports Bar is located in downtown Johnson City, TN

Window reflections and a view inside

Ghost sign on a building in Johnson City, TN

Atomik Comics and Blue Moon Theatre Company side by side

Capones in Johnson City, TN

Campbell’s Morrell Music store on the corner of Commerce and Market Streets in downtown Johnson City, Tn.

The Johnson City Tennessee sign located in downtown Johnson City, TN.

Empty buildings on the other side of the train tracks in Johnson City

Dessert

I had a hankering for ice cream but there did not seem to be any ice cream shops. I admit, we didn’t look really hard. We headed back to the White Duck to see what they had for dessert. They had two desserts and both were yummy!

Dublin, Ireland is one of my favorite cities. It was everything I thought it would be and more! The people were kind and gracious, always willing to help and show us a great time. I took many photos in Ireland. But these are a few of my favorites from the land of Éire.

Dublin and the River Liffey

The River Liffey runs through the city. There are 21 bridges crossing the River. Each one is unique and has its own history. I took photos of almost all of them. However, these are a few of my favorites.

Samuel Beckett Bridge

Ha’penny Bridge

Seán Heuston Bridge

Storm clouds roll in over the city, just as the sun is setting.

A detail from the Grattan Bridge.

We went to a few bars. We drank some Guinness (okay, a lot of Guinness).

Temple Bar

The Quay’s Bar

A lit Guinness sign at dusk.

Castles

Ruins everywhere. Some are castles, some are just old buildings. But they all look cool.

I wanted to share five of my favorite travel photos on this hot July Friday. Looking back, some of them are easy to see why I like them so much.

Buskin’ on the Danube

We had spent the day in Budapest walking, walking, walking and needed a break and a drink. We found a spot on the edge of the Danube. As we sipped our drinks, the busker started playing. The setting sun touches the edge of his shoulder and the Hungarian flag in front of him, giving the whole scene a soft glow. See more travel photos from Hungary here.

Buskin’ on the Danube. A busker plays the saxophone at sunset in Budapest, Hungary

Enter for Enlightenment

Another image from Budapest with that soft glow that I love so much. This was taken in Matthias Church, a gothic cathedral complete with restored frescos and painted walls. But this simple unadorned stairwell glows from the soft window light, silhouetting the outline of the door. It’s inviting and peaceful. See more travel photos from Hungary here.

Enter for Enlightenment

Kraków Nights

The Main Square in Kraków, Poland just after sunset. The sky is that early evening blue that contrasts beautifully with warm tones of the city lights. People are sitting down for dinner or cocktails as bicyclists whiz past, creating a bit of a blur. Find more travel photos of Poland here.

The Main Square in Kraków, Poland just after sunset.

Aire Acondicionado

Taken in Havana, Cuba, this photo is a little busy. But I love that about it. I love the old worn signs hanging above the many people milling about in the streets. And there’s that glow again, only this time it’s a cool glow from the cobblestone street below. I can almost hear the sounds of Havana. Find out more about my trip to Cuba here.

Street scene in Havana, Cuba

Kutná Hora Alley

This one is a little more subtle than the others. At first glance it’s just an nice photo of an alley. But the open arches and speckles of sunlight lead the eye directly to the back of the alley, where two people stand deep in conversation. I love small details like that. More images from Czechia can be found here.

An alley in Kutná Hora in the Czech Republic.

I hope you like these as much as I do! Prints of all images are available here or click on the individual images and it will go directly to the shop page.

I’d love to hear your feedback and comments. Also, feel free to share a link to your own favorites!

Breaking our Fast

We spent the early morning with coffee and Abby (old dog) in the sweet garden at the Childress house. I found a book on the historic homes in the area and found our Airbnb in the book. I love little details like that. On the way out of town we stopped at Coffee Fusion. They had so many great treats, it was hard to choose just one. I got a biscuit stuffed with eggs, cheese, and I don’t remember what else. But it was gooood.

Golden Retriever Abby was happy to keep us company while we broke fast in the garden.

Inside Coffee Fusion, it was hard to decide what to order.

Historic homes in Murfreesboro. The airbnb we stayed in was in this book.

Entry

We made our way to the festival, after a slight traffic delay. We got there at exactly the same time everyone else did. But traffic moved fast and we were inside the faire in no time. Pro tip: buy your tickets online. The will call line was completely empty so I was ready to enter the faire in no time. But my friends had to wait in line to buy their tickets. The good thing is the line moved quickly and we were in the gates, ready to faire.

My friend and I as we enter the Faire

Travelers of all kinds

What I love about the Renaissance Festival is that it is full of travelers. It’s a safe bet that most of the people we saw have never been on an airplane or out of state or maybe they’ve never even left their home town. But when you visit the Faire, it’s like walking into a completely different world. People are dressed up as everything. There are knights, princesses, queens, peasants, elves, aliens, everything imaginable. The vendors are artisans. They make what they sell from jewelry to clothes. I bought a staff and the man offered to put my initials on it. I thought I’d leave it and come back. He said, “it won’t take long.” (see pic below). It’s all there and most of it is handmade. We drank some lovely dark ale and ate giant turkey legs as well as pretzels. We watched several comedy shows. And yes there is jousting.

handmade drinking horns

Jousting overseen by the Queen herself.

Swash and Buckle are a family friendly comedic duo.

Staff with my hand carved initials. He did this while I stood there.

Time to go back to the real world

After we had Ren faired ourselves to exhaustion, we headed out. But before leaving Murfreesboro, we had to stop at The Green Dragon for one last ale and a snack. It’s a hobbit’s life for me.

It’s May, that means it’s time for the Renaissance Faire in Middle Tennessee. The Faire takes place in Arrington, TN on the grounds with an actual castle. It takes place each weekend in May. My friends, S and P, introduced me to this awesome event!

Arrington is located between Franklin and Murfreesboro, TN. It’s a 3 hour drive for us, so we spend the night in Murfreesboro, so we are nice and rested for the Faire.

The Green Dragon Pub and Brewery

We drove to Murfreesboro on Friday afternoon. We stopped at the Green Dragon for pints and snacks. The Green Dragon Pub and Brewery is an homage to Tolkien’s works. The owners are true Tolkien fans and it feels exactly like I image a pub in Bywater would be. We love it! They always have great beers and the food is perfect. It’s not bar food. It’s real food.

Ale menu.

The Green Dragon has every kind of brew you can imagine. They also have some great mead.

These stuffed mushrooms aren’t your average bar mushrooms.

Found in the privy at the Green Dragon

Our Airbnb

After drinks and snacks we went to our Airbnb called Childress House: The Gardner. This was my first Airbnb and I’m pretty sure it was a perfect way to start a new trend for me. Our host was Sandi, a sweet lady who lives in the downstairs of the historic house. In addition to our full apartment, we were given access to the Parlor, a lovely outdoor garden area, and the large porches. Sandi also provided cream twists for snacking. Oh, and there was a Keurig in the apartment with coffee.

Our little kitchen reminded me of an apartment I had in college.

The living room wasn’t big, but the sofa folded out and was fairly comfortable to sleep on.

Our sweet host provided us with fresh flowers throughout the apartment as well.

The full bath was clean and the water pressure in the shower was perfect with plenty of hot water.

This retro bathroom is located in the downstairs of the house. Pink everywhere.

Around Town

The Gardner was located within walking distance of downtown, so off we went. Murfreesboro has a thriving downtown with bars, restaurants, shops, barbers, salons, and some friendly people. We had a pint at Liquid Smoke, located on the main square. The smoke was too much for me, so we sat outside and did some people watching. Some great signs from downtown.

I love this Puckett’s sign. A guitar at the top and a fork at the bottom. Food and music, the best combination.

A simple sign in downtown Murfreesboro, TN. But eye catching with the dark blue against the light metal. A very vintage feel.

We had a reservation for dinner at Five Senses. It was too far to walk, so we got a Lyft to the restaurant. Where we ate some of the best mushroom soup I have ever eaten. There may have also been a stop for a pint at a nearby bar. We Lyfted back to the Gardner where we had those cream twists awaiting us.

Perfectly cooked and soft as butter.

This mushroom soup was so simple but fantastic!

Down to the garden we went for dessert. We were greeted by dear pup Abby and a couple other dogs which were a bit too timid to visit with us. We also enjoyed our morning coffee in this quiet back yard.

Abby kept us company in the garden.

Our host provided us with cream twists and fresh strawberries, an excellent late night snack.

An inviting garden patio for guests of the Childress.

After our first rounds of coffee and Abby pets, we were off! Renaissance Faire details in the next installment. I’ll give you a hint, there might be some drinking and eating.

The weekly photo challenge is Place in the World. Where do you belong? I belong everywhere. When I feel like I’m in a creative rut or need some inspiration, I don’t go to a safe place. I try to go somewhere that I’ve never been. I try to learn something new. Whether it’s a large city or a small town, it’s where I belong in that moment. The travel and newness wake me up!

I haven’t written a blog in awhile. I don’t know why. I guess I haven’t had much to say. I don’t have much to say today either. Enjoy this gallery of new photos. I’ve been running around Kentucky and Knoxville taking photos. Comments and feedback are always welcome. Feel free to also share your own gallery.

Downtown Knoxville, TN

The Howard Baker Courthouse in downtown Knoxville, Tn in black and white

We finally got back on the road for Tuesday Trekkin’. My Tuesdays have turned into take the cat to the vet day. We have 6 cats and 4 of them are seniors, so vet visits are a way of life. Anyway, back to the real reason we’re here.

Plans? What plans?

We had been planning to go to Jonesborough, the first town in Tennessee. However, plans are more like suggestions for us, so that didn’t happen. It was cold and I didn’t fancy walking around outside in the cold. We decided a car ride might be a better option. We could see things and still enjoy the heated seats. There was also the lure of possible snow in the mountains. Snow can make pretty pictures.

Lunch

We planned to eat at a bbq place in Townsend, but we got there and it was closed for the season. We found a great little Italian place, Brianna’s Italian Restaurant and Cuisine, just down the road instead. It proved to be a happy accident. Walt had the stromboli and I had the eggplant parmesan. Both were excellent! We will definitely be going back.

Cades Cove

Cades Cove was a bit of a disappointment as there was only a bit of snow here and there. Winter in the mountains is brown. Cades Cove is a valley in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The road is an 11 mile loop where you can see tons of wildlife, some old historic cabins, and a few old churches. We took the shortcut though and saw none of that. Onward we went.

They just blew a whole in the mountain and made a tunnel.

The trees are bare and there is a dusting of snow. You know that water is cold!

The Great Smoky Mountain National Park is full of trails and paths

Winter in the Cove is quiet.

Elkmont

Walt decided we might try Elkmont, but the sun was setting fast. We weren’t sure we’d make it in time. They close a lot of the roads after dark due to possible hazardous conditions in the winter. But we made it! I had not been there before and found it pretty cool. It’s a small resort community in the mountains where people could stay in the summer. Most of the leases were up in 2001. After that, it became a ghost town. The Wonderland Hotel was once in this area, but in 2005 it collapsed. Most of the historical items were removed and a small annex was left. The annex burned down in 2016.

Several houses in the Elkmont Community are still standing and in decent shape.

A log cabin in the Elkmont Community

A summer cabin in the Elkmont resort community

The steps to the Wonderland Hotel

Sitting on the steps that go up to the ruins of the Wonderland Hotel

The chimney of the Wonderland Hotel stands alone at sunset in Elkmont.